| News |
 |
|
| Back to Main Page |
 |
| All Our Old News Stories Click Here |
| PHOTO ARCHIVES CLICK HERE |
| Holiday Gifts Click Here |
 |
 |
| Click on Ad to visit them |
| Looking for someone Special CLICK HERE |
 |
| FUGITIVE ARREST/LAUREL COUNTY
(LONDON) On 09-02-2007 Park Ranger Russell White stopped a vehicle in the campground area of the Levi Jackson State Park, London, KY. The operator of the vehicle, identified later as Gilbert Junior Jones, 54, of London, KY, fled on foot into a wooded area. Ranger White apprehended Jones a short distance away and discovered Jones had escaped, on 08-26-2007, from Marion Adjustment Center in Lebanon, KY. KSP Sergeant Steve Walker responded to assist Ranger White and during the investigation discovered that the vehicle Jones was driving had been reported stolen from the Washington County, KY area. Jones was charged with Escape 2ND Degree, Receiving Stolen Property and a variety of traffic offenses. The incident is being investigated by Sergeant Walker. Eventing’s Best Entered at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** Presented by Farnam Lexington , KY —April 10, 2007—As always, Eventing fans can expect to see some of the sport’s biggest names in action at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam. Entries from five countries include several past champions and Olympic and World Championship medalists. This year’s Rolex Kentucky CCI****, an FEI Qualifying Competition and U.S. Equestrian Federation Selection Trial for the 2008 Olympic Games, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 26-29. The Event will host many of the world’s best horse-and-rider pairs as they compete for one of the most coveted purses in equestrian sports and one of the most prestigious championships in the sport of Eventing. Five-time Olympian and six-time Kentucky Three-Day Event champion Bruce Davidson, Sr. of Unionville, PA, on his 2006 U.S. Eventing Association Mare of the Year, Jam, and three-time Olympian Karen O’Connor of The Plains, VA, another Rolex Kentucky champion, with perennial Kentucky top 10 finisher Upstage and the 14.2 hand crowd-pleasing Theodore O’Connor, return for this year’s event. Individual Bronze Medalist from the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Amy Tryon of Duvall, WA, on a new ride, Le Samurai, along with two-time Olympic Team Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton (when he rode for Australia), now an American citizen, Pan American and World Championship Team Medalist Jan Byyny, and her fellow World Champion Team member John Williams bring lots of metal and mettle to Rolex Kentucky 2007. Chief among the International stars are Australian Clayton Fredericks and Ben Along Time, Individual Silver Medal winners in the Eventing Championship of the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen , Germany . Also coming to test the site of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 are Olympic veterans Mary King of Great Britain, Ian Stark of Scotland, Karin Donckers of Belgium and Wendy Schaeffer and Heath Ryan of Australia. The 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, will run a CCI4* without Steeplechase (short format) and the 10th championship for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Pinnacle Trophy, signifying the zenith in Eventing competition in the United States . Last year’s Rolex Kentucky , a competition testing some of the world’s most athletic horses in dressage, cross-country and show jumping, attracted a record 90,748 people over the four days of the competition. The only Four Star Event in the Western Hemisphere , the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, is the premier competition for the top horses and riders in Eventing. The competition features this country’s best horses and riders and international stars vying for their share of $200,000 in prize money and a chance at the $250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The winning owner will be awarded $65,000 and the winning rider will receive a Rolex timepiece. The classic Kentucky Julep Cup is presented to each as a reminder of their singular accomplishment. Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event organizer, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is a non-profit charitable corporation created in 1975 to stage the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships, the first time those championships had been held outside of Europe . Following the success of those World Championships, the U.S. Equestrian Federation asked EEI to organize an annual Three-Day Event in the spring and the Kentucky Three-Day Event was born. Rolex Watch U.S.A. became title sponsor in 1981. For more information on the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org. To receive the ticket brochure for the 2007 Event, send your name and address to Equestrian Events, Inc., P.O. Box 12110, Lexington, KY 40580-2110, (859) 254-8123 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F), (859) 254-5116 (fax), or rktickets@alltel.net. Jones' Drugged Driver bill passes Senate Judiciary Committee FRANKFORT - The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved Senator Ray Jones' bill that strengthens Kentucky's DUI laws. "The number of arrests for driving under the influence of a controlled substance are rapidly increasing, and may soon surpass alcohol-related DUIs," said Jones, D-Pikeville. "This bill will substantially strengthen Kentucky's DUI law to allow these individuals to be successfully prosecuted." Senate Bill 67 will establish a per-se offense for driving with any controlled substance (both prescription and illegal drugs) in a person's system. However, if the person driving has a valid prescription from a practitioner acting in the course of his/her professional practice, and comply with the dosage and any drug related restrictions they will not be charged with driving while under the influence of a controlled substance. According to the National Transportation Safety Administration, drugs other than alcohol are involved in nearly one out of every five motor vehicle driver deaths. Alcohol is involved in more than one out of ever three. "These statistics cannot be ignored. This problem is not just a national problem, it's a Kentucky problem as well," Jones said. "We need to make sure law enforcement has every tool available to protect the citizens of Kentucky from drugged drivers." Kentucky Crash Data for 2006 reports that more than twenty percent of vehicle accidents involved drugs. The Kentucky State Police Lab reported that, in 2006, sixty-three percent of all DUI cases sent to the KSP Lab for drug tests tested positive for controlled substances. Thirty-nine people died in drugged driving related collisions in 2006, and nearly 1,000 were injured. "This bill will close the loophole that allows drugged drivers to avoid conviction," said Jones, who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Prosecutors and judges now have a tool to get drugged drivers into treatment, rehab or drug court." Senate Bill 67 now moves to the State Senate Floor for a vote. If Senate Bill 67 gains approval in the State Senate, it would move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information regarding Senate Bill 67 may be obtained by accessing the Legislative Research Commission website: www.lrc.ky.gov. Transportation Cabinet's District 10 prepares for winter weather in 10-county region of eastern Kentucky JACKSON, KY - (Nov. 13, 2005) - If the drastic change in Kentucky's weather last week, from sunny 70-degree days to cloudy 30-degree days with the dreaded "s-word" -- snow -- mentioned in the forecast, wasn't a giveaway, a peek at the calendar will tell you that winter is fast approaching. This fact is not lost on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which experiences its busiest time of the year in winter. That’s why personnel in the Department of Highways District 10 are getting ready for the busy snow and ice removal season in the 10 counties which make up the district. "Our mission to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for Kentucky drivers gets put to the test during the winter," said Bill Nighbert, Transportation Cabinet secretary. "Our team members always rise to the challenge and work tirelessly during winter storms to clear the roads so drivers can reach their destinations without problems or delays." "Governor Ernie Fletcher puts significant emphasis on highway safety, and keeping roads clear of snow and ice is one of the most important things we do in terms of that philosophy. We take this role very seriously," Nighbert added. “Our employees have traditionally done an excellent job in keeping roads clear during the winter,” said Linda Wagner-Justice, chief district engineer for District 10. “That would not be possible without lots of advance planning. That’s why we’re starting now, while the weather is still good, to get ready for adverse conditions. Governor Fletcher has stressed highway safety as an essential function of the Transportation Cabinet, and we intend to do our part by keeping our roads as safe as possible for drivers during bad weather.” The hilly to mountainous terrain of the district can be especially troublesome for motorists during winter weather, so District 10 workers get an early start in making sure they are ready to quickly and efficiently clear roads once the snow starts flying. Priority routes for snow and ice removal have already been identified. Crew members have stocked snow-melting chemicals at various locations throughout the district and checked equipment to make sure it will work properly when needed. District 10 personnel are also laying in an ample supply of the special cold-weather asphalt that will be required to patch potholes that develop as a result of freezing and thawing. Winter may occupy only three months on the calendar, from late December to late March, but the mountains of eastern Kentucky can experience winter precipitation from November through April, so preparations are essential to ensure that the state can plow and salt snow-covered roads to ensure the safety of the traveling public. In fact, snow was reported last week in some of the region's highest elevations. District 10 personnel have the responsibility for clearing more than 1,800 miles of state-maintained highways in the counties of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe. This mileage includes the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway and the Hal Rogers Parkway, as well as other heavily traveled routes linking these counties together and to the rest of Kentucky. Photo of Salt Truck Breathitt County Fiscal Court receives $25,000 PRIDE grant SOMERSET, KY — Eastern Kentucky PRIDE has awarded $25,000 for environmental improvement projects in Breathitt County . The Breathitt County Fiscal Court received a $25,000 PRIDE Community Grant. PRIDE announced today that 47 grants totaling $1,106,515, were awarded this year. The one-year grants will be used primarily to remove illegal dumps and dispose of trash collected during community cleanup events, such as the PRIDE Spring Cleanup. “The local officials who applied for these grants should be commended for their leadership,” said Richard Thomas, PRIDE executive director. “Congressman (Hal) Rogers makes sure PRIDE funds are available for environmental stewardship, but it is up to communities to put the funds to work.” “Citizens also have a role to play in their local stewardship campaigns,” Thomas continued. “For example, volunteers may be needed to help with these Community Grant projects. I encourage you to call your local grant recipients to see if volunteers are needed. Second, throughout the year, citizens can report littering and dumping to their local solid waste coordinator. Cleaning up after a few irresponsible people is expensive, and we need to send the message that we no longer will put up with their illegal activities.” The PRIDE Community Grant program provides up to $50,000 to counties, cities, other public entities and nonprofit organizations for environmental improvement projects in southern and eastern Kentucky . The program encourages community and citizen involvement in projects to promote personal responsibility for the environment. Recipients must match the grant with a contribution worth at least 10 percent of the grant amount. “PRIDE Community Grants have been used to clean up over 2,000 illegal dumps,” Thomas said. “It was the first PRIDE grant program, and it has made a tremendous impact on our region’s landscape. Since the region-wide cleanup campaign has progressed so well, PRIDE will begin to shift more resources toward environmental education. That’s the key to preventing our past pollution problems from re-occurring.” Since 1997, PRIDE has invested $24,937,449 in grants to tackle the region’s solid waste problems. So far, local governments and nonprofit organizations have used PRIDE grants to clean up 2,268 illegal dumps across the region. PRIDE promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in 38 counties by encouraging and providing resources for communities to clean waterways, end illegal trash dumps and promote environmental education. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, former secretary of the state’s environmental protection agency, and is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Just My Opinion I recently read an article where it is stated that ultra-sound scans on unborn fetuses could cause brain cell misplacement problems in the unborn fetus. Since the development of the ultra-sound scan, it has become popular to have the scan to determine the first week of pregnancy, the sex of the fetus etc., but most usually these days, ultra-sound scans have been performed for the "scrapbook" photo of the fetus, which is purely non-medical. This is the first time any thought has been given to what the effects might be on the fetus, like everything else, in medicine, there seems to be a rush to go ahead and do it, the old "shoot first and ask questions later" syndrome. I find it amazing that after years of performing these scans for multiple purposes, we are just now becoming aware that brain cell placement could be affected. It is even thought by some researchers that disorders such as mental retardation, dyslexia, autism, schizophrenia,etc., could be caused by ultra-sound, according to a recent report in the National Academy of Sciences. Since I haven't written a "Just My Opinion" in a while, (something I would have contributed to writers block or lack of time, etc.) I think I'll go back and look in my baby picture scrapbook and see if my parents have one of those ultra-sound pics tucked away in there. Oh well, this is one photo mishap they can't blame on the paparazzi! Expecting mothers choose to do this on their own,with encouragement of course, from one of those young doctors who have also been scanned! Thanks, FDA and researchers! It's not like we didn't have enough to worry about, now is it? That's just my opinion! PLOWING THROUGH By Lowell Hamilton, County Extension Agent for Ag & Natural Resources Lawnmowers Are No Place for Children Each spring, as the flowers blossom and the grass begins to grow, millions of people haul out their mowers, lawn tractors, trimmers, tillers and chipper/shredders. Along the way, some also haul out unsafe operating habits that can lead to injuries. Young children move quickly and are attracted to mowing activity. They don’t understand the dangers it poses. Parents should keep young children away from any outdoor power equipment. Each year about 75 people are killed and about 20,000 are injured on or near riding lawnmowers and garden tractors. One out of every five deaths involves a child. More than 800 young children get run over or backed over by riding mowers each year. This happens when children fall while being given rides, or when they approach the operating mower. Children should never be in the yard while you’re mowing, and they should never ride on the mower. Children see mowing activity, want to ride along and approach the mower some-times faster than the adult can see them. Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or going around corners, shrubs, trees or other obstacles. As with all lawnmowers, there is a risk of a thrown object. Small children are at special risk since an object thrown from a lawnmower that would strike an adult in the leg could cause a much more serious injury by striking a small child in the body or the head. Many children suffer serious burns to their hands and arms when they tough the hot muffler of running or recently engines. Keep children away from power equipment, especially that which is running or has recently been running. Protecting children in and around lawn care equipment can be accomplished by taking the appropriate precautions. While children may want to ride on mowers or other equipment keeping a firm “no riders” policy will help prevent injuries and allow for a safe, enjoyable summertime. For more information regarding outdoor equipment safety, contact the Breathitt County Extension Office. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Leslie Co. Baricade AT APPROXIMATELY 01:00 AM KENTUCKY STATE POLICE POST 13 RECEIVED A CALL FROM HENRY BROCK WHO LIVES IN THE HELTON COMMUNITY OF LESLIE COUNTY. HENRY MADE SEVERAL HOMICIDAL COMMENTS OVER THE TELEPHONE, WHICH ALERTED US TO BE CONCERNED FOR HIS WELL BEING AS WELL AS PUBLIC SAFETY. TROOPERS RESPONDED TO HIS RESIDENCE, BUT HE REFUSED TO COME OUT OR COMMUNICATE. SHORTLY THERE AFTER WE MADE CONTACT WITH BROCK BY TELEPHONE AND MAINTAINED COMMUNICATIONS WITH HIM ON AND OFF THROUGH THE DAY. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:15 PM MR. BROCK CAME OUT OF THE RESIDENCE AND WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT INCIDENT. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HAZARD ARH FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. New Kentucky Official Highway Map Is Ready To ?Hit The Road’ 2006 Edition Invites Travelers to Find Their Own ?Unbridled Spirit’ in the Commonwealth FRANKFORT, KY (April 13, 2006) - The 2006 Official Highway Map for Kentucky is now on its way to welcome centers and rest areas all across the Commonwealth, including the Junior Williamson Rest Area at Slade, off the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway at Exit 33 in Powell County. The 2006 edition is being made available in time for the spring/summer vacation season and beckons travelers to explore a multitude of attractions throughout Kentucky. “The 2006 official highway map is attractive, easy to read and invites tourists to sample the ‘Unbridled Spirit’ of the entire Commonwealth,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “This quality map will help lead travelers to many great destinations in Kentucky.” This year’s map was a cooperative effort involving the Transportation Cabinet and the Commerce Cabinet. “The goal was to offer a map which would do more than just assist travelers in finding a route,” said Secretary of Commerce George Ward. “We wanted to offer a map which would help people choose a getaway destination.” “Kentucky is filled with countless national treasures, blessed with an irresistibly diverse landscape, and populated by the most genuinely hospitable people in the world,” said Commissioner of Tourism Randy Fiveash. “The 2006 highway map says to the reader: ‘Welcome to Kentucky! You won’t find one ultimate destination here. You’ll find several!’” In addition to the inclusion of many items related to tourism in Kentucky, more space was allotted for safety-related messages on the 2006 map. Drive Smart messages included on the 2006 map include “Safety Belt Myths and Facts” as well as information on Kentucky’s “Saved by the Belt” awards program, child safety seats and current Kentucky traffic laws. “This administration has an unwavering commitment to do everything we can to reduce fatalities and injuries on Kentucky highways,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “We want Kentuckians and out-of-state visitors alike to be mindful of all the precautions each individual can take to make travel in Kentucky a pleasant and tragedy-free experience.” The new map includes all of the essential features of previous maps while using a slightly smaller space. “Paper costs have been skyrocketing,” said Daryl Greer, director of the Division of Planning for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “Our cartographers were very successful in maintaining the readability of this map while reducing the overall size.” The size reduction, coupled with the use of recycled paper and the first-time support of a corporate sponsor for the state highway map, resulted in a significantly lower cost for the 2006 edition. “We’re very pleased that we were able to save the taxpayers money and still produce a quality product,” concluded Secretary Nighbert. The 2006 Official Highway Map for Kentucky will be available at locations throughout the state, including the Slade rest area, by the end of next week. Log Truck Driver dies in Accident 11-27-05 A Hazard man is dead after losing control of the log truck he was driving on Hwy 15 in the Ned community in Breathitt County. He apparently had a blowout on his front tire. Glenn Neace, 58, of Hazard, KY was killed, due to the accident. The accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police and the Breathitt County Coroners office. SuperWalmart 'locked down' following blasting accident by Leah Jett 10-31-05 On the morning of October 19th SuperWalmart Center located in Hazard at the Daniel Boone Shopping Plaza had to be evacuated and 'locked down'until 7am the next day. According to Hazard City Police who responded to the scene. Reportedly, American Blasting Company was operating at a nearby location. Immediately following a blast 14 boulders were thrown to the roof of the Walmart building. Seven rocks actually crashed through the roof. At least two customers and one Walmart employee were transported to the hospital with minor injuries following the incident. The store reopened the following morning. According to Patrolman Chris Combs with Hazard City Police. HPD, The Perry County Sheriff's Department and Kentucky State Police all responded to the call when the incident occurred at SuperWalmart Center. The Hazard Fire Department responded as well. Combs stated "Everyone helped out. It took awhile to get everyone calmed down." Combs added that the Kentucky State Police went through the parking lot to check for damage to vehicles, while he walked through with Walmart Employees to check for damages. Perry County Sheriff's Deputy Joey Sparkman took various pictures inside and out. Patrolman Combs stated that no criminal charges have been filed at this time pertaining to the incident. "We are just waiting to hear from the Department of Mines and Minerals." he added."Some of the rocks completely disintergrated when they hit the department store floor. We are fornutate that only 3 people were injured." Reportedly following the overnight 'lock down' approximately 75 to 100 customers were lined up the next morning on the opposite side of police tape waiting to enter the store. Father, son busted for trafficking dope 9-15-05 A Salyersville father and son were arrested Tuesday, September 13, after the pair provided drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer from Operation UNITE. Police charged 50-year-old Randall Minix and 24-year-old Benjamin C. Minix with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count of third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. In addition, Benjamin Minix was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after he attempted to keep police from placing him in handcuffs. According to Lee Weddington, Big Sandy Task Force manager, five UNITE detectives along with four members of the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, went to the Minix’s home on Flint Branch Road at approximately 7 p.m. where the drug deal was made. Police confiscated 18 doses of OxyContin in two different strengths along with 7 doses of Xanax, Weddington said. The men were lodged in the Big Sandy Detention Center. JOHNSON COUNTY STUDENTS RECEIVE FREE COMPUTERS Governor Ernie Fletcher Delivers First Computers of the No Child Left Offline Program FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Ernie Fletcher today presented 193 Johnson County eighth-grade students and their families with free computers, software and printers as part of the No Child Left Offline program. The Johnson County Middle School and Paintsville Middle School students are the first recipients in the program, announced by Governor Fletcher in October 2005. The No Child Left Offline program recycles and refurbishes surplus state computers and distributes them to eighth grade students without computers at home. "Today is a great day for these students and families in Johnson County," Governor Fletcher commented. "The No Child Left Offline program affirms Kentucky's continued commitment to technology and education. No Child Left Offline is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help all Kentucky households join the Information Age. The program is the most comprehensive initiative of its kind undertaken by any state in the nation. The program ensures that thousands of computers will be saved from landfills and used for the benefit of Kentucky families. "When our state computers no longer meet the requirements of the professional user, instead of dumping them in the landfill or selling them for pennies on the dollar, we are giving them to children of Kentucky. The return on investment is priceless," Governor Fletcher stated. According to Education Secretary Virginia Fox, "Giving students their own computers to take home will not only help them do better in school, it will open doors to information and education for the whole family." "Technology enables countless opportunities to improve the standard of living for Kentucky families." Tim Adams, Johnson County Middle School Principal, is excited to see students directly benefit from the No Child Left Offline program. "For these eighth graders to take home quality hardware for free reinforces the importance of technology in their lives. At school, the students use state-of-the-art technology; now, they can extend their learning to the home with their family." Several organizations in Johnson County have also come together to leverage community resources and provide recipients and their families with computer training. Johnson County Public Library, the Mayo Campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College System, and Johnson County Middle School's Gear Up Program are collaborating to provide computer courses for basic skills and office applications. The four hour course will be taught for two hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings every week in January and every other week in February. Participants will receive course certification from Big Sandy Community and Technical College upon completion of the two classes. Information regarding the computer course will be posted on the following website: www.connectkentucky.org/projects/nclo. Today, nearly 80 percent of Kentucky families with children own a computer at home. No Child Left Offline is intended to close that gap for the remaining 20 percent and provide access to technology where there is the greatest need. Approximately 215,000 children in Kentucky do not have computer hardware in their home. Families unable to access the Internet often cite computer ownership as a major barrier. ConnectKentucky, a non-profit organization that promotes technology-based economic development in the Commonwealth, is coordinating the project with operational support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Department for Innovation and Commercialization in the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet. Additional state support is provided by the Education Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology in the Finance Cabinet, and Kentucky Correctional Industries in the Justice Cabinet. Microsoft Corporation, Computer Associates, and Lexmark International donated software and printers to the project. ConnectKentucky plans to distribute 2,000 refurbished computers to Kentucky eighth graders in 2006. Groups interested in participating in the No Child Left Offline program can submit requests online at www.connectkentucky.org. |
